Yang Family Tai Chi Discussion Board

Jerry, No, I am not referring to a "cat" step. The move I am referring to is an actual brief transfer of the root from one foot to the other, then back again to the original foot, when that foot has moved close to the other. By the way, pardon me for referring to a potential weakness of on...

Dear Audi (et al), When you mentioned stepping forward from a bow stance to follow a partner in push hands, you reveal one of the weaknesses of the form you practice. I also practice a Yang long form, but derived from Dong instead of the formal Yang family. In the 3rd section of the form, there is a...

Dear Audi, I can provide a couple of ideas for you to consider. I agree with the concept that in the initial transition, there is a slight shift to the left and then the waist turns, which turns the right foot. The continuation of the waist turn then shifts the weight to the right foot. I have also ...

Dear ELDER, I have some sympathy for problems of 'older' people since I am many years past my 30's! However, I also note that instructors need to challenge some students. One way is to get students to go slower or obtain lower stances. On the other hand, Tai Chi should not be putting a strain on joi...

Dear Audi, If I haven't said it before, you do ask some interesting questions. Perhaps this should be a thread of it's own, but for a short answer I'll attempt something I hope is coherent. You asked about what 'coordinating with the breath' means. In general, I've been told that during movement pre...

The above threads have some good advice to heed, but perhaps I can give a different perspective. Finding a good teacher for Tai Chi is probably the best approach. If learning only from a book or two, consider the following points: (1) At first, get to know the postures in the book so that you can mo...

Audi, You did open a good topic! This should keep this thread open for quite a while. I believe that what is 'right' is different for different people, due to their body type, physical fitness, mental inclination, etc. Observing a master perform a set will reveal differences with each repitition. No...

Dear Audi, Some of the insights above as well as your reply seem to me to miss the point of your question. While the comments are applicable, you seem to be unable to apply the ward off technique. From your comment, it might be better to concentrate on the intent of what you expect the movement to d...

Dear Steve, Audi, Some clarifications are in order. The sword form is an extension of the Tai Chi forms, but has it's own techniques. The jian is designed to be thicker and blunter near the hilt and tapers to a thin tip that is to be considered very sharp (not in practice swords!). Thus, many moves ...

Dear Audi, I agree with Steve that you do ask very insightful questions! I do not have any experience with the type of saber that the Yang Association promotes. I am familiar with the heavier saber that is utilized more with the shoulder than the arms. The jian is another matter. From the forms that...

Dear Audi, RichC, While I was taking classes in Denver, a fighting form was being taught. This form was faster, much more athletic and required internal knowledge of the Yang form that I know. In this class, the Yang style long form was not taught with breathing coordination, but it was taught with ...

Dear RichC, It is always interesting to listen to beginners mark their accomplishments by what form they have learned. Most other martial arts are taught in this way. Tai Chi is different. Once a form is 'learned', the surface of the art has just been scratched. Most people will take several years i...

Dear Audi, Your frustration with applying the right ward off application is likely due to not sufficient practice with the form and also push hands. The movement is very flexible in its application, but how the application is used will vary depending on the relationship of the partner and the energi...

Michael and all, Yes, I do agree with you! The intent moves the chi and the jin will follow. This is a typical Tai Chi practice, not just within the Yang family. The mind does produce the intent, which only comes about throught practice and realization of what is needed. The conscious mind has some ...

Michael, When listening to your teachers, you also need to apply some reasonable thinking. I don't know what Yang Jun was talking about. I do know that it is possible to project chi or energy using intent. I do it all the time. I have also read about real masters who have caused people to tumble a f...